3DPI: Review on professional 3D printer – Bolt Pro

THE LEAPFROG BOLT PRO 3D PRINTER REVIEW

The Bolt Pro is the latest FFF 3D printer from Netherlands-based machine manufacturer Leapfrog. Fitted with independent dual extruders and an interchangeable print bed, the Bolt Pro is designed for user-friendly, professional 3D printing.

Designed with the end user in mind

From the start it is clear that a lot of effort has gone into the user experience of the Bolt Pro.The integrated touchscreen gives a walkthrough on initial set-up, a useful feature for first time users familiarizing themselves with the technology. The interface is generally user friendly too, though it could benefit from a visible mouse pointer to indicate the user’s selection.

The touchscreen on the Leapfrog Bolt Pro. Photo by Michael Petch.

After manual bed leveling, the calibrated setting held well due to Leapfrog’s trademark high quality lead screws, included in all releases since the Creatr. Automatic bed leveling is also a feature the team is currently working on, which is due to be released in further generations.

Wi-fi connectivity proved stable, though the Leapfrog Bolt Pro also comes with the handy option to connect via ethernet cable if necessary. Working with the provided slicing profile on Simplify3D proved effective, giving good “out of the box” results and requiring no further tweaking.

A Stand foot in Engineering PLA. Photo via Leapfrog.

The onboard camera is well positioned for monitoring print status, and demonstrated minimal lagging throughout all tests. Additionally, the magnet door closing mechanism is an improvement on the first Bolt, and filament storage is easily accessible, adding to the overall ease of use.

Print performance

Bolt Pro build size amounts to 320 x 330 x 205 mm (D x W x H) serving its purpose as an industrial-use machine. However, full use of the chamber could be further optimized along the Z axis to cater for taller 3D prints.

Fan Duct PLA printed with scaffold. Photo via Leapfrog.

First, print quality was tested in a single color object using PLA, giving acceptable results. Next, the quality of the dual extrusion system was tested, again using two spools of flexible PLA. In these two-color tests, a degree of bleeding could be observed between the materials.

Dual-extrusion ability to meet the sample benchmark test sent by Leapfrog was average. With the included Leapfrog 3D SPRAY, prints demonstrated good bed adhesion avoiding any issues with the all important first layer.

An architecture sample in PLA. Photo via Leapfrog.

The max temperature achievable by a Bolt Pro hotend is 270 °C for standard printing, and 360 °C for high-temperature polymers. Operating temperature is typically between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F), and the bed can be heated to 90 °C (194 °F). In-built head maintenance is a valuable function for high volume users running a variety of settings. It also gives users the ability to manual select temperatures and exchange printheads, making the Bolt Pro an overall versatile machine.